It's tough living nowadays with no credit. Sure, it's possible, but it's a pain. Just about everything is tied to your credit. Want to buy a car? They're going to check your credit. Want to get a housing loan? They're going to check your credit. Looking for a job? Some employers even check the credit history of possible hires. So how does one with no credit go about getting it?

If You're a Minor:

If you are between the ages of sixteen to eighteen (in the U.S.) the easiest way to build your credit is to have your legal guardian co-sign a credit card for you. This will provide you with a low-cap credit card to use for your everyday purchases. Once you turn eighteen you will find that it is easier to get a 'real' credit card/car/apartment because you already have credit history.

Just be careful not to screw it up—you do and chances are that your parents won't give you another chance.

If You Have No Credit History:

If you are no longer a minor yet still have little to no credit history for whatever reason (e.g. college students), then the best way to build your credit is with any one of the widely available student credit cards. Sure, you can try applying for regular cards, but why even bother when the student cards have such great perks (e.g. the Citibank mtvU credit card with 0% APR for six months, rewards points for a good GPA, and 5% back at restaurants, book stores, music stores, and video stores).

Another option for those who are not students is to go to your local bank (where you have a checking/savings account) and ask them for a credit card. It is usually easier to convince banks where you have your money stashed to give you a card as they can see that you actually have savings built up (well, hopefully you do!).

If You Have Bad Credit History:

If you've made some mistakes in the past then you can remedy your situation by making good financial decisions on a regular basis. Pay off all of your bills on time. Have two or three credit cards and use them wisely, which includes not going over your credit limit. You may have to start off with credit cards that have pretty crummy rates and little to no perks (they're called credit builder credit cards or secured credit cards), but as long as you pay off the balance in full every billing period that shouldn't be a factor. If you play the game right you should be out of the hole within twelve to eighteen months.